The best things to do in Merida Mexico can all be enjoyed with just a few days in this beautiful, vibrant city.
Merida is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is best known for its colorful streets and rich Mayan heritage. Merida’s city center is home to numerous historical attractions and is the perfect place to begin your visit.
What stood out to me most during my recent trip to Merida was the kindness of the locals and the delicious food. I share my favorite restaurants with you down below, don’t worry.
Merida is known to be very safe, even for solo female travelers. I felt completely comfortable walking around the city, even after dark on my way home from a night out. Obviously normal precautions should be taken, but I never once felt unsafe in this city.
As I explored Merida over the course of several days, curious locals often started conversations with me, inquiring about where I was from and what I was doing in Merida.
Everybody was so kind and always ended the conversation by giving me tips on where to go next.
Seriously, Merida is a friendly place with lots to see, do and eat.
Things to do in Mérida Mexico
As I mentioned above, you can see a lot in Merida in just a few days. I recommend spending at least three full days in the city if it’s your first visit.
The vast majority of Merida things to do can be found in the city’s historic center, most of which can be seen on a walking tour of Merida.
6. Arco de Dragones
Arco de Dragones is a brightly painted historical arch located at the intersection of Calle 50 and Calle 61 near the Merida historic center. There are a few other arches around the city as well that are similar in design to this one.
The arches were constructed around the year 1690 and served as entrances to the city.
Today, the arches remain and add a bit of character to the city.
The best time to get photos like this is in the early morning when there’s no traffic but please be careful and never block traffic.
7. Santa Lucia Park
Santa Lucia Park, or Parque Santa Lucia, is a popular local park right in the Merida city center. The park serves as a gathering place for locals and the location of many public events throughout the year.
The park features a small stage for performances, several restaurants with outdoor seating, large open spaces and grassy areas, and plenty of seating.
You’ll also find the large white chairs pictured above which make for some great photos.
If you’re looking for an affordable activity on weekend nights, come to Santa Lucia Park to enjoy free live music and mingle with the locals.
If you’d like to experience another local park just like this one, head to Parque Santa Ana just up the road.
8. Merida Restaurants
If you’re a foodie and planning a visit to Merida you’re in luck because the food in Merida is unbelievably good.
After spending several days here exploring I had the opportunity to sample a fair share of the city’s best restaurants.
Here are a few of the best Merida restaurants I recommend visiting:
- Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca: This is both a mueum and a restaurant, and the restaurant portion is beautiful and serves excellent local cuisine and cocktails. Make reservations for this one if planning to dine on a weekend night.
- La Chaya Maya: This is a popular local restaurant in Merida with multiple locations. They serve traditional cuisine and its delicious.
- Apoala: This is a Oxacan and Yucatecan restaurant located in Santa Lucia park. It’s the perfect place to eat during live performances on weekend nights. Their food is flavorful and the cocktails are fantastic.
If you’re interested in trying some really good local food and meeting some fellow travelers, book yourself on a Merida Street Food Tour.
Food tours are always a great way to experience the local food and culture and get to know a local. Plus, you’ll make new friends with the other travelers.
In addition to the options I’ve listed above, there are also dozens of great rooftop restaurants and bars in Merida. Stop into any place that looks interesting as you’re walking around the city. You will likely not be disappointed.
If you’re on the hunt for some truly affordable local food, head over to Galvez Market. This is a local food market where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, meats, and other items.
You can stock up on items to make your own food, or purchase something to eat from one of the local vendors.
9. Merida Theatre
If you’re interested in seeing a live performance while in Merida, head to the Teatro Armando Manzanero located in Merida’s historic center.
The historic theater first opened on December 9, 1949 as an independent movie theater featuring a 20th century Art Deco architectural style.
Today the theater hosts a wide variety of live performances including plays, musicals, dance performances, and more.
10. Merida Festivals and Events
Merida is a lively and bustling city with rich culture. As a result, the city has curated a significant number of live events that take place throughout the year.
If you’re planning a visit to the city, stop in at the local tourism board’s office, located near Plaza Grande, to inquire about events in the city while you’re in town.
During my recent visit the city was hosting an event called La Noche Blanca.
The event featured live music at multiple locations around the city, art exhibits, dance performances, a Mayan ball game, light shows, and more. It was a really good time.
